A team of bioengineers at Philips Research has created a tiny magnetic tracking and sensing device that provides feedback via magneto-mechanical resonators. Bernhard Gleich, Ingo Schmale, Tim Nielsen, and Jürgen Rahmer designed and tested the sensor in their study, which was published in the journal Science.
Scientists around the world have been working for better in vivo imaging techniques for several years in order to improve diagnosis and maybe create new ways to administer medicines. To that purpose, a slew of small robots have been created, each employing a novel method of traversing the body without causing harm.
However, none have thus far received physician approval for usage. In their latest endeavor, the research team created a straightforward sensor that can be operated by electromagnetic current from outside coils.
The sensor was created by inserting two opposing magnets inside a cylindrical enclosure, with just one magnet retained in place. The entire thing measures only one millimeter in diameter. The free magnet inside the casing vibrates and moves as the device is moved using short electric pulses.
The sensor can provide accurate measurements of temperature, location, and pressure by measuring the amount of oscillation, expansion, and contraction, and the distance between the two magnets—enough to track things like blood pressure and the impact of medication, or it could even be used to conduct biopsies.
The researchers put their sensor to the test in various situations. One method involved putting it inside a winding tube that was designed to mimic the intestinal tract. This tube was then utilized to generate location data. The test’s success indicated that it might be used to monitor bowel motions in persons with IBS or other digestive disorders.
Another experiment entailed tying the sensor to the back of a honeybee and then releasing it into a confined space. Regardless of its speed, the team was able to correctly track both its movements and orientation. They conclude that their sensor looks to be applicable to a wide range of medical applications. Before human trials may begin, much more testing is required to assure its safety.
